Methods and devices for diastema closure

Abstract

In a method for closing a diastema and / or papilla regeneration between a first tooth and a second tooth, a dental matrix is used. The dental matrix includes a curved sectional strip of material. The strip has a length from a first end to a second end sufficient to create a form for molding a restorative material to a surface of the first tooth. The strip has a root end section and a second section integral with the root end section. The root end section of the strip is anatomic in shape such that the root end section hugs the gingival portion of the first tooth. In one form, a non-anatomic bulge is formed in the second section. The root end section of the matrix can slide to the depth of the sulcus without lacerating the tissue. After inserting the root end section of the dental matrix into the sulcus between the papilla and the gingival portion of the first tooth, a composite restorative material is placed between the dental matrix and a cervical surface of the first tooth. The composite restorative material is then cured. This creates bulbousness in the cured composite near the gum line to fill the gingival gapping.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 986,244 filed Nov. 7, 2007.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH[0002]Not Applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]This invention relates to methods and devices for diastema closure and / or papilla regeneration.[0005]2. Description of the Related Art[0006]Gaps or “diastemas” can be present between the teeth for a variety of reasons. These include genetic and ethnic trends where there is a tooth-jaw discrepancy wherein the teeth are too small for the jaws or jaws too large for the tooth size. It is also common for the gums to recede over time creating dark triangles or spaces referred to as gingival diastemas. In the modern era of cosmetically aware patients, dentists are often asked to close small and large diastemas. Patients also ask to treat the black triangle (loss or shrinkage of the interdental papilla) by re...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]It is an advantage of the present invention to provide methods and devices for diastema closure and / or papilla regeneration that provide rounded marginal profiles.

[0018]It is another advantage of the present invention to provide methods and devices for diastema closure and / or papilla regeneration that do not compromise the root-crown architecture.

[0019]It is yet another advantage of the present invention to provide methods and devices for diastema closure and / or papilla regeneration that provide for bulbousness near the gum line to fill the gingival gapping.

[0020]It is still another advantage of the present invention to provide a matrix for diastema closure and / or papilla regeneration wherein the matrix has an anatomic shape in the gingival portion but then with varying levels of exaggerated profile at the root-crown junction.

[0021]It is yet another advantage of the present invention to provide a matrix for diastema closure and / or papilla regeneration wherein the matrix is a sectional matrix that is specific to the anterior teeth and specifically designed for diastema closure with bonded composite filling material.

[0022]It is still another advantage of the present invention to provide a matrix for diastema closure and / or papilla regeneration wherein the matrix is a matrix specifically designed for the closure of diastema (tooth gapping).

Problems solved by technology

There have been problems with all previous techniques.

This resulted in a good esthetic space closure, but often a biologically horrific contour.

A sharp 90° angle combined with a lumpy and porous surface creates a poor environment for soft-tissue health.

The problems with traditional clear plastic strips are that they are flat and require wedging, do not conform to the tooth, and are nearly impossible to maintain deep in the sulcus.

The result is often an esthetic compromise.

Furthermore, holding all four ends of the plastic strips while simultaneously light-curing a composite filling is always a challenge.

This approach can yield the worst of both worlds, incomplete space closure and gingival overhang.

The flat plastic strip will not allow the required bulbousness near the gum line to fill the gingival gapping.

Because the stock (flat) plastic strip does adapt in a facial-palatal direction, it will not stay in the sulcus and therefore wanders away from intimate adaptation to the rounded root, leaving the shelf or “overhang” that creates poor gingival health and shredding of floss, odor and food impaction.

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